Simone Biles has expressed uncertainty about competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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Currently, the most celebrated gymnast in history is prioritizing other aspects of her life and paying close attention to her body's signals. "I'm truly trying to savor life, spend time with my husband, [Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens], attend his games, and embrace my identity as a woman," she shared in an interview with French sports daily L'Équipe released on Tuesday. "I've achieved so much in my sport.
If I were to return, it would need to genuinely excite me." At 28, Biles confirmed she will be present in Los Angeles for the Games, but her role is still unclear. "Whether I'll be competing or watching from the stands, I'm not sure yet," she admitted. "But 2028 feels like a long way off, and I can feel my body aging. I noticed that in Paris." During the Paris Olympics, the American gymnast earned three gold medals and a silver, bringing her Olympic total to seven golds and 11 medals. However, the physical demands took their toll. "I returned to the village, took the elevator, and my body just gave out. I was unwell for ten days," she said, recounting another moment of strain. "Just the other day, I was sprinting in the garden with friends, and I felt soreness for three days. So honestly, I don't know. We'll see." Biles acknowledged her rival, Brazil's Rebeca Andrade, for her impressive recovery from injury and for "pushing me beyond my limits," but she also noted that gymnastics may not need both of them moving forward. "It only needs one of us, right? Especially since [Andrade] won't be going it alone," Biles remarked.
"A new generation is ready to step up." The interview was conducted ahead of the Laureus Awards in Madrid, where Biles was recognized as sportswoman of the year. Regardless of her career decisions, she remains committed to advocating for mental health issues. "I'm very proud of what I've achieved to get to this point," she stated, "and I will continue to be a voice for those who are voiceless." In other news, World Athletics has announced that national track and field federations must ensure their executive boards consist of at least 40% women by 2029.
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"We recognize there are still challenges in increasing the number of female coaches, referees, and administrators in athletics, but we are dedicated to equality and creating opportunities for meaningful change across the global athletics community," stated World Athletics president Sebastian Coe. On Tuesday, the governing body revealed further details of its three-year gender leadership strategy, following the achievement of gender parity on its ruling council in 2023. "I am immensely proud of the strides we've made to enhance female representation in athletics, illustrated by our gender-balanced council," Coe noted. "This strategy underscores our ongoing commitment to ensuring women are not only included but also hold prominent leadership and decision-making roles in our sport." Shifting gears, the Boston Marathon reported a no-show rate comparable to the previous year, easing concerns that international runners might withdraw due to increased scrutiny at U.S. borders. In the 129th edition of the marathon held on Monday, 28,928 participants started from a pool of 31,778 entrants, resulting in 2,850 registrants not crossing the starting line in Hopkinton—a rate of less than 9%. Last year saw a slightly higher number of 2,838 non-starters. To qualify for a Boston Marathon bib, most runners must provide a qualifying time from another marathon. Many view this as a lifetime goal, making no-shows understandable due to reasons ranging from injury to disruptions like the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption, which prevented numerous European runners from traveling to the U.S. Despite a full race with entries from 128 countries, there were reports suggesting some international runners might abstain for political reasons or concerns about potential border difficulties. International visits to the U.S. have decreased notably, particularly among Canadians, in response to former President Donald Trump's tariff discussions and the notion of the U.S. absorbing Canada as a 51st state. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized inclusivity, stating, "Regardless of the circumstances at other levels, especially federal ones, we in Boston welcome everyone." She made these remarks during a public safety briefing close to the marathon's finish line. "We aim to be a home for all.